A letter from Janet Budach

Johnsburg Parade

-Village of-

JOHNSBURG

Settled 1841 - Incorporated 1956

 

Edwin P. Hettermann, Village President

Claudette E. Peters, Village Administrator

1515 Channel Beach Avenue

Johnsburg IL 60051

Village Hall 815-385-6023

Fax 815-385-6054

www. Johnsburg ,org

 

October 3,2012

Mr. Pete Kramer
 560 West 58^th St.
 Hinsdale, IL 60521

Dear President Kramer:

 On behalf of the residents and the Johnsburg Village Board, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland for generously volunteering to drive our village officials in your classic thunderbirds in our Saufen und Spiel Parade. I especially want to thank the drivers Dan Anderson, Tom Bruin, Gordon Gluff, Joel Greenberg, Art Hahl, Bob Hoge, Pete Kramer, Doug Rodgers, Lloyd Schellin, Ken Smizinski and a special thank you to one of our residents, Len Keil, who not only drove but also organized your participation. I can't help but think our parade was extra special this year because of your organization.

The comments from our residents have been overwhelming! I had a chance to visit with the members of your group after the parade, and believe they enjoyed taking part in our event. It was a very busy weekend for me and I would like to apologize for not being able to spend more time visiting with them.

I cannot say thank you enough to the drivers who generously gave us the use of their cars and time in being the highlight in this year’s event.

Respectfully,

 Ed Hettermann

Village President

cc: Village Board

      Mr. Len Keil

Village Trustees

John Huemann     Mary Lou Hutchinson   Rich Janusz     Kevin McEvoy     Janice Sisk     Ron Zanko 

 

A  Hometown   with  Spirit

Rudy Budach

                                                          IN M E M O R I A M

                                                                    Rudy Budach

                                                             Sept. 6, 1927 - Oct. 8, 2012

It is with sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that I record the passing of longtime member, Rudy Budach.

Rudy and Janet joined CTCC in February of 1970, and they became active members, attending club events, car shows, and par­ades in their 1956 Buckskin Tan T-Bird.

Rudy's early involvement led him to serve CTCC on committees and in offices, including Vice-President for the 1973-1974 term. He was always a willing helper in club projects and events.

As one example of his mischievous nature, Rudy once used his ever-present cigar to orchestrate what I kindly refer to as an "illusion." The scene unfolded at a local car show, where Rudy knew his cigarette lighter was inoperative! As the interior judging team arrived to check his '56, Rudy started his magic act by refraining from puffing on his lighted stogie. He depressed the lighter, and with exquisite timing, waited a few seconds before placing the lighter in contact with his cigar. The sight of several puffs of smoke proved convincing, as the judges didn't record any point deductions!

Perhaps one of Rudy's proudest moments was when Monogram chose his stock '56 as the design T-Bird for their project to produce a 1956 Thunderbird model kit! Monogram personnel gathered literally hundreds of photos of the Buckskin Tan 'Bird. These photos were used to create a series of wooden forms, representing the sections to be scaled for use in the kit. The resultant wooden T-Bird model was in of itself a tribute to the skilled Monogram designers. Rudy and I were in the plant on several occasions to observe the project progress, and our last visit allowed us to see the assembly line of workers involved in the final stages of packaging the kits.

As an example of Rudy's resourcefulness, he negotiated with the Oakbrook Polo organization in order to arrange for the CTCC members to drive their 'Birds around the field after the 1st 'chucker.' I accompanied Rudy on his first meeting with Jorie Butler, and the dream soon became a reality. As each 'Bird circled the Polo Field, the announcer described the model year, etc., from a script pre­pared by each driver. If memory serves, there were several appearances following the very successful initial event. It was apparent that the Polo crowd appreciated the sight of our "classics!"

It was in 1974 when Rudy became a willing accomplice in what I termed The Great Ford License-Plate Heist. A small group of CTCC members planned a visit to the Chicago Auto Show - on the closing day of the exhibit. The premeditated action found us armed with pliers and screwdrivers, as we stealthily removed a number of the Ford " Better Idea" plates from the Ford display cars. Our raid was deemed a success, with little or no interference from Ford. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Eventually, Rudy decided to part with his '56, converting to a (Red) '02 Retro model. Next, a Smart Car appeared in the Budach garage! (The above photo was taken (by Liz Werth) at the Kresmery Poplar Grove Hangar Event in 2009.) Rudy made a large, black "key" for the car!

Rudy's joie de vivre was always in evidence. The CTCC Officers, Directors and membership express their deepest sympathy to Janet and her family as we share in their loss.
- Editor

                                  CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB OFCHICAGOLAND

BIRD-NEWS                                                -PAGE 3-                                           NOVEMBER 2012

Photo Caption- Rudy Budach's Buckskin Tan '56.

2012 Fall Tour

"Is this Heaven?" "No, it's the CTCC 2012 Fall Tour."


Taking a little liberty from the discussion between Shoeless Joe Jackson and Ray from the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" best describes the wonderful experience enjoyed by 33 CTCC members in thanks to our host and hostess, Tom and Judy Bruin. Except for moments of high wind, the autumn weather was near perfect for driving Thunderbirds during our traditional Fall Tour. We soon discovered the Dubuque tri-state area has so much to offer it would take multiple tours to begin to fully appreciate the many attractions and hospitality of the local people.

Soon after rendezvousing at the Belvidere Oasis on Route 90 and moving on to Route 20, we thought Lloyd Schellin "took a Vinyard," i.e. wrong turn. After Lloyd and Joan caught up with T-birds heading west, much to our chagrin the rest of us soon discovered Lloyd actually took the proper turn as we were plodding along on unintended rough pavement! With walkie talkies buzzing, Lloyd wasn't finished displaying his navigation skills and soon earned the handle "GPS Schellin." Thanks Lloyd for keeping us on track!

Our first stop was in Monroe, Wisconsin to visit the Minhas Craft Brewery, the original home of Huber Bock. After pouring everyone a sample, our tour guide, Donna, educated us on the Grafting of beer and the history of the brewery. The original brewery was founded in 1845 making it the oldest in the Midwest. Donna had many stories, but perhaps the best shared was about a building next to the brewery that served as the city jail. One day, long ago, it caught fire and workers poured beer on the jail to save it! To this day, locals debate if it was a good use of the beer?

We then walked to lunch at the nearby Turner Hall Ratskeller Restaurant, a Swiss heritage chalet and home of musicians and gymnasts. After lunch, about half the tour members visited the Minhas Micro Distillery that applies old world methods to creating hand-crafted, small-batch rum, vodka, brandy, gin and whiskey, while others enjoyed shopping in historic Monroe square and the Swiss Colony outlet mall. With gifts of beer & vodka from Minhas and treats from Swiss Colony, we were well equipped to enjoy the rest of the tour!

From Monroe, Wisconsin the tour convoy proceeded to our hotel conveniently located off Route 20 in Dubuque, Iowa. After checking in, everyone enjoyed the traditional CTCC tour Friday evening pizza party.

The first event in Dubuque was visiting the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium that educates over 250,000 visitors a year on the history and importance of the Mississippi waterway. This proved to be a special treat for Jim Wilson. Dubuque is where Jim's maternal great grandfather, Ernst Wesselhoft, a German immigrant painter and wallpaper hanger, partnered with Albert Giegerich to form the Model Wallpaper and Paint Co. in 1899. His grandfather moved on to Peoria in 1913, while the business continued in Dubuque. Jim met the grandson of Albert, Albert III, for the first time at the museum. "Al" Giegerich is 88 years of age and works for the Dubuque County Historical Society restoring and maintaining the William M. Black, a steam powered dredge boat docked at the museum. The boat was operated by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers from 1934-1973 to keep the river channel free from silt and debris. A crew of 63 worked on the dredge boat in a "24-7" operation. Al gave Jim a personal tour of the boat which included the boiler room, machine shop, forward and aft decks, boiler deck, and galley. The next morning Jim and Al visited the location of the original Model store in Dubuque to view photos and catch up on respective family histories. The Model operated in Dubuque until 1997 and lives on today in Peoria and Springfield, Illinois as the Glidden Model Wallpaper & Paint.

In the afternoon, a half dozen or so T-birds headed to Dyersville, Iowa to the 1989 "Field of Dreams" movie site. A dozen or so tourists were on the ball field when they saw the T-birds coming up the driveway. Remembering the famous scene in the movie, they yelled out, "Look it's true, they are coming!" CTCC participants could not hold back on being little kids again. Tom Bruin, Joel Greenberg, Larry Kelly and Lloyd Schellin, to name a few, started their own pickup game on the field. It was a good thing there was a cold wind so none of the "kids" could play long enough to hurt themselves!

Nearby are the National Farm Toy Museum and the St. Francis Xavier Basilica. Built in 1888, the two-steeple basilica is one of finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Midwest. One of our groups arrived shortly after a wedding and got to hear a performer from the balcony that made the visit even more special. T-birder and farmer Lloyd Schellin served as our unintended guide at the Farm Toy Museum. Everyone bombarded Lloyd with questions as they viewed thousands of farm toys in exhibits and displays spread across the two-story facility.

Saturday was "Italian night," as most diners headed to downtown Dubuque to Vinny Vanucchi's or Mario's. Mario's, discovered by Ken and Kathy Smizinski, turned out to be a special treat. After coming to the U.S. from Italy and running a restaurant in New York, Mario visited a friend in Dubuque some 30 years ago and decided to embark on a simpler way of life. Before we took our seats, Mario bought Ken and Kathy a round of drinks and a bottle of fine Italian wine for all of us to share at the table. Then the fun began when members known for their booming voices responded by assisting the soft-spoken Maitre d' with calling patrons to their tables. The evening was a memorable experience, as the cuisine proved to be as delicious as Mario was entertaining.

On Sunday, CTCC members again broke into groups. One group traveled to Galena, Illinois for their County Fair. Gary Smithe and Bob Winderski didn't mind shopping with the ladies after one shop owner enticed them with free beer to watch the Packer's game, while Debbie and Sue were occupied in the floors below. Joel Greenberg enjoyed T-bird "picking" in the antique and craft stores only to get home and discover he already had the two signs he purchased. Is this a surprise?

One group headed north to visit the Petosi Brewery and the "grotto" in the small town of Dickeyville, Wisconsin. In response to world turmoil, Father Matthias Wernerus spent form 1925 to 1930 Grafting stone, mortar, gems, minerals, and shells without the use of blueprints to pay tribute to the love of God and country. Fortunately, the spectacular "grotto" of shrines continues to endure the elements for the enjoyment of future generations. The Petosi Brewery has recentlyundergone an extensive renovation and is also home to the National Brewery Museum. Tour members got to learn about the history of Petosi, have lunch in the beautiful pub, and view extensive world-class collections of bottles, cans, glasses, trays, coasters, advertising materials and other items relating to breweriana collectibles. Returning to Dubuque, T-birders traveled along the hilly and wooded Rustic Road 99, while enjoying the autumn colors.

Back in Dubuque, tour participants shopped and rode the cable car known as the Fenelon Place Elevator that has been lowering Dubuque residents from their residences to the city below and back since 1882. Rising 189 feet with a length of 296 feet it is the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway. At the top you get to enjoy the view of the business district, Mississippi River and three states.

We rode to dinner by trolley car receiving an outstanding guided tour of historical Dubuque highlighting its Native American, French, Irish and German influence. Our 85 year old tour guide, Bob, and driver, Dennis, pointed out the numerous churches, buildings, and streets of notoriety. On the way to Eagle Point Park, we passed the Italian Villa Style, Antebellum, Mathias Ham House; a "dogtrot" style log cabin considered to be the oldest building in Iowa; and a "badger hole" used by early settlers until they could afford to build an above ground home. The park is known for the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture of the buildings and gardens, and being a wintering area for bald eagles. We stopped at a cliff in the park to take in a magnificent view overlooking the Mississippi River and Lock & Dam number 11. Before stopping for dinner, we got to view the evening sun reflecting off the 23 carat gold leaf dome of the Dubuque County Courthouse.

We capped the experience with evening dinner at of course another former brewery, the Star of Dubuque Restaurant. "Mom and Dad Bruin," allowed the "kids" to release their stored energy from the weekend with a paper airplane battle, while they waited for mammoth portions of pork chops, prime rib, salmon, or chicken to satisfy their hunger. Soon thereafter, tired T-birders retreated to the hotel hospitality room for one more hurrah.

On the way back to Chicagoland on Monday, as expected, the tour stopped at a Culver's in Winnebago for "butter burgers" and other treats before going their separate ways. Of special note, Gerry and Pat Peterson were congratulated on their 50* wedding anniversary. Moreover, throughout the tour Peter and MaryLu Kramer were thought of during their time of need. Members participating in the CTCC Fall tour were Tom & Judy Bruin, Gordon Gluff & Mary Ziemba, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Gerry & Pat Peterson, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Dan & Dan Jr. Mrozek, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Gary & Debbie Smithe, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob & Sue Wenderski, Bill & Liz Werth, Jim Wilson, and Chad & Kami Woody.

Doug Rogers

Klairmont Kollection

CTCC Visits the Klairmont Kollection
by Tom Bruin



Saturday 9/29/2012





A spectacularly sunny and warm autumn day greeted several CTCC members as they

gathered for breakfast (you didn't think we would plan an event that didn't include food,

did you?) at the Golden Nugget restaurant in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood on

Saturday, September 29th. CTCC members participating included: Gordon Gluff, Larry

and Karen Kelly, Len Keil, Doug Rogers, Dan Anderson, Tom Wolfe, Bill Werth, ]oel

Greenberg, Tom Bruin, Ron Pavlak, Jim Wilson, Dan Renna (and friend Bill Mingottij), and

Dave Pogorski. Many kudos go out from all of us to ]oel Greenberg who did a great job

organizing the event. Thanks Joel!



Once your trusty scribe finished guiding his compatriots and car-pool partners to the

restaurant (I was using the Jim Wilson GPS!] we indulged in hefty stacks of pancakes, fluffy

4-egg omlettes and plenty of coffee. The crew at the Golden Nugget did an outstanding job

accommodating our crowd, and were gracious enough to treat us all to a slice of

complimentary cheesecake to top off the meal. Fellow diners were able to enjoy a mini-car

show in the restaurant parking lot as ]oel, Bill Werth and the Kelly's all drove their vintage

T-birds on what was a glorious day for driving.



After breakfast we caravanned a few blocks to the Klairmont Kollections, a private

collection of more than 400 vintage cars that have been assembled by Chicago

entrepreneur Larry Klairmont. Mr. Klairmont is a WWII veteran that served in the US

Marines in the Pacific theater, and saw action on both Iwo ]ima and Saipan. Upon his

return to Chicago after the war, he opened a small laundry business, eventually buying the

building where his cleaning business was located. This was the humble beginning of a real

estate career that still thrives today. Mr Klairmont's collection is only open to private

viewing on a limited basis, but what a treat for us to see his wonderful and eclectic

assortment of rare and valuable cars. His collection includes many rare Rolls Royce cars,

Duesenbergs, Auburn's, Cord's, Cadillacs and Lincolns. Many of the cars were pre-war and

late 40's through early 1960's vintages. What is particularly amazing is that Mr. Klairmont

just starting collecting three short years ago! (he must have a lot of fun at car auctions the

past couple of years!!]



All in all, it was a fun and interesting day doing what most of us on the club enjoy

most...admiring classic automobiles!

photos- a "Woody", Larry Kelly and friend sit and chat in front of Larry's Garage and a rare Birdsnest. Photos by Doug Rogers

Johnsburg Parade

JOHNSBURG PARADE ON 9-9-12

　

Everyone loves a parade and the village of Johnsburg is no exception! Their annual German celebration of "Saufen and Spiel" prompted a number of T-Birds from our club to volunteer driving some prominent village officials in their parade. Everyone who volunteered met at the home of Len and Mary Keil. As the morning was quite sunny with very crisp temperatures, most of us drove to Johnsburg with the tops on the cars. When everyone arrived at the Keil home, there was ample time to remove a couple of hardtops and put the softops down. Then there was time for a cup of coffee and a piece of coffeecake. Departure time came at 11:45 and eleven T-Birds drove into town for the lineup. The parade was scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. Once the cars were in place, we girls got our lawn chairs and headed down the street to watch the parade. Helen, Soon Hee, Mary, Judy, Joan, and Kathy were the spectators joining the crowd of people already lined up along the parade route.

The parade began with the honor guard, fire trucks, and emergency vehicles. Our wonderful T-Birds followed with the fire chief, police chief, village president, and the village trustees. The Thunderbirds made a spectacular show of color as they drove passed us. The parade also consisted of many town sports teams, martial art students, gymnastic groups, bands, some Cadillac convertibles, and of course tractors. The parade ended with a pair of black Clydesdale horses hitched to a red wagon. Lots of candy was thrown from the parade participants, and it was a beautiful day for this event.

After completing the parade route, the cars were on display on the ball diamond and drew a lot of attention! We made on our way back to the Keil’s home about 2:00 p.m. Everyone enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs along with some tasty side dishes. The following participated in the outing: Dan Anderson, Tom and Judy Bruin, Gordon Gluff, Joel Greenberg, Art Hahl, Bob and Helen Hoge, Len and Mary Keil, Pete Kramer, Doug and Soon Hee Rogers, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Ken and Kathy Smizinski.

Submitted by Joan Schellin

MILLIE"S BREAKFAST PLUS

MILLIE'S & EAST TROY, WISCONSIN TROLLEY MUSEUM DAY CRUISE


Sunday, June 10!h saw the outside temp­erature in the low 90*s...however, the low humidity and nice breeze, resulted in a very enjoyable Sunday cruise to Millie's Restaurant in Delavan, Wl. After a superb breakfast, the ladies had some shopping time, while the guys sat around outside and traded exaggerated stories (cars). At 11:45, we left Millie's for a cruise through downtown Lake Geneva, and headed north to the Trolley Museum in East Troy. Our trolley car, # 1583, was built around 1910, and saw its service in Minneapolis. We rode #1583 for 5-miles to the Elegant Farmer (historic large farm food store) for more shopping, then the 5-mile ride back museum depot. Those that could not re­sist, walked across the tracks to an old fashioned ice-cream parlor, where they enjoyed some great cool-off treats.

Club members enjoying the day were: Dan Anderson, Tom & Judy Bruin, Laura & Mike Cieienski, Joel Greenberg, Gail Hascek, Bob & Helen Hoge, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Ron Pavlak, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Jerry & Joan Schellin, Ken and Kathy Srnizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Jim Wilson and Tom & Alice Wolfe.

And we had Fun, Fun Fun, etc.

- Bob and Helen Hoge

SCHOENTHALER AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION TOUR

SCHOENTHALER AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION TOUR


On a warm and sunny afternoon, twenty-one club members met at a favorite spot for lunch -Culver's. After lunch, we rode in a caravan to see Ed and Judy Schoenthaler's Classic auto collection. We drove our own little classics, and we caused quite a few heads to turn as we motored to our destination. Ed and Judy Schoenthaler have been actively involved in the automobile hobby for over 40 years. The "stars" in this show start as early as their 1919 Paige Daytona Speedster and go all the way through the Classic era to a 1957 Dual Ghia. The car collection consists of specimens in perfect running condition Ed started up several engines to show and excite the group. These award-winning beauties have been exhibited at Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook, Amelia Island and the close in Geneva Concours. In addition to the automobile displays, we were shown a collection of rare vintage wind up toys, a large and impressive model train exhibit and memorabilia such as miniature cars of all series. There were also Disney collectibles, and of all things, a Teddy Bear exhibit encompassing an entire room. This collection belongs to a Schoenthaler family member.

It was an impressive afternoon and Ed and Judy were our very gracious hosts. Ed and

Judy were presented a framed picture of a 1932 Duesenberg Phaeton to show our

appreciation to them for spending the time to give us a great tour. Note: Bert Eisenhour

supplied the exquisite picture and Prez Pete made certain it was framed to showcase the lithograph

Those members in attendance:

Dan Anderson, Pete and Lisa Eksktrom, Bob and Helen Hoge, Larry and Karen Kelly, Pete and Marylu Kramer, Mike Pavlak, Jerry Peterson, Dave Pogorski, Ken and Josh

Smizinski, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Len and Jeff Vinyard, Jim Wilson and Joe and Jeanette Wintz

- Marylu Kramer

Bristol Renaissance Faire

BRISTOL RENASISANCE FAIRE JULY 14, 2012

Saturday, July the 14th, saw the CTCC drive up north to Bristol, Wisconsin, to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. We met at the Lake Forest oasis before heading up to the Faire. We met several people there, including Joel and Annie. My brother and I were in my Grandpa's Thunderbird. There were several Thunderbirds in the procession or at least it appeared so to me; I am not used to seeing five or more classic Thunderbirds lined up in a row! At any rate, more Thunderbirds joined us as we made our way toward Bristol. Once we arrived, we were greeted by two guides handing out maps (in a competitive fashion - always funny!). We then entered the Faire.


My Grandpa, my brother and I were quickly drawn to the different shops and displays they had. I was surprised at the amount of detail the costumes had as well as the number of people dressed in them. From real chain mail to the elaborate bard costumes, they were extravagant, to say the least. They also spoke with an English accent and with fervor, which made them all seem almost as if they were from 16th century England. One of the highlights was watching a man melt glass and make figurines. They were incredibly detailed, and the process was fascinating.

We soon stopped at a show. A gypsy juggled flaming batons, knives, and hats, which was interesting to watch. Another show had a tight-rope walker; a different show had acrobats, who performed acts which looked as if they would kill themselves. And of course there was the Mud Show, in which the "beggars" dragged themselves through a mud pit. All of the shows were laced with witty humor. For much of the day we watched as the actors humiliated themselves, balanced themselves precariously upon each other, or ate mud!

We bought a few souvenirs. My brother and I each bought a wooden sword, dagger and shield to spar with - Mom was thrilled. They had many other things for sale as well as costumes for rent. The food there was good. I had a gyro, with several toppings I usually don't have, but it tasted good. My brother had curly fries with cheese that were very good as well. My Grandpa had a brat that I can only assume was good.

Overall, we had a great time. It is hard to ask for much more from a Renaissance Faire! Thanks, Grandpa, for taking us!

Lucas and Nick Peterson

Members who were present included Tom and Judy Bruin, Len and Mary Keil, Larry and Karen Kelly, Pete Kramer, Annie Luginbill and Joel Greenberg, Jerry Peterson (with authors Lucas and Nick), Ken Smizinski, Doug and Soon Rogers (with nephew David), and Bob and Sue Wenderski. (Gordon Gluff came later but was not part of 'the procession.')

EAA Show - Oshkosh